Window vs Portable Air Conditioner: Which is better for your home?

Window vs Portable Air Conditioner: Which is better for your home?

Summers are already here and many people are spoilt for choice as to which brand of an air conditioner (AC) to buy. While some are quite sure as to what type and brand of AC they want, others may be confused about whether they should purchase a split, window, or portable AC. This article discusses the difference between a portable AC and a window AC along with their pros and cons to help you decide which is best for your home.

Portable AC

A portable AC is an independent movable unit with exhaust hoses which are easy to install. They are usually easier to install as compared to a window AC since you only need to remove its packaging and plug it in without altering your surroundings. Additionally, since a portable AC is mobile, it can be moved easily from room to room and takes up less space.

The exhaust hoses in a portable AC are bendable and can extend from five to seven feet. The noise levels of portable ACs vary from brand to brand, with some models being quieter than the others.

Overall, a portable AC is a quick way to add air conditioning to a room as either a temporary or long-term solution and allows for more direct cooling in various parts of the home or a room throughout the day. However, since the water from a portable AC is released in a tank or tray, it has to be cleaned and emptied on a regular basis.

Window AC

Generally, a window AC is cheaper than a portable AC. However, it is more difficult to install a window AC as you need to have ample space in your window for your AC to fit in. it is also important to ensure that the AC unit is fixed properly in a bracket, otherwise, there is a risk that it may fall on someone or something, especially for those living on higher floors. Also, the larger the cooling capacity of a window AC, the more expensive the unit will be.

Usually, a window AC is noisier than a portable AC since it rumbles against the window sills. One advantage that window ACs have over portable ACs is that the water is vented through the system internally and therefore, no tray of water is required to be disposed of or cleaned regularly.

So, which one should I buy?

If you have enough space in your house with large windows and are looking for a long-term solution, then a window AC is the right choice. However, if you only want to use an AC during the summer season or if your house is small, then a portable AC is fine.

In terms of budget, a window AC is better although the installation costs may be high. A portable AC, on the other hand, does not need to be installed and can be simply shifted from place to place and plugged in as and when needed. However, you may need to rearrange your furniture to keep the portable AC. Noise can also be a concern since it remains inside the room, unlike a window AC, which saves space by sitting in a window bracket and only extends a few inches inside, along with the noise being directed outside the window.

Overall, it is easier to find a window AC, particularly if you are looking for an energy-efficient one. Some of the best AC brand in India include Hitachi, Voltas, Carrier, Daikin, Blue Star, Samsung, and Whirlpool. Although there are several other good brands as well, the reasons these seven names are counted among the top AC brands in India are due to their efficiency, premium features, and affordable prices.

If you are looking to buy an AC, some of the best AC under 30000 are the Voltas 1.5 Ton 5 Star Window AC, Voltas 1.5 Ton 3 Star Split AC, Daikin 1 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC, and LG 1 Ton 5 Star Inverter Window AC. These brands are some of the best AC under 30000 owing to their lower rates, durability, and low maintenance.

While having an AC may be a necessity for some, for others it may be a luxury. That is why the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network provides loans of upto Rs. 4 lakh to help people buy ACs and a range of other electronics across their one lakh partner stores. The loan can be paid back in easy EMIs of 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, or 24 months, and the process to apply for it is quite easy. You are only required to produce the minimum KYC documentation and a cancelled cheque, and your loan gets approved. Later, you need to fill a form online and show the SMS of your pre-approved loan to shop for the AC you want.